Unveiling the reality: working conditions and occupational risks in rural teachers in Ecuador through the fantastic questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction: The research addresses the contractual and labor situation of Ecuadorian teachers, highlighting the challenging conditions they face, especially in remote geographic areas. It focuses on an educational institution located in a parish with a Kichwa and mestizo cultural identity, where the students' parents belong to indigenous communities. Teachers face the challenge of continuing to teach despite adversities, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The objective of this research study is to analyze the work of teachers in a state educational unit in Ecuador, under the supervision of the country's Ministry of Education. The focus is occupational health and safety, using the FANTASTICO questionnaire. The independent variable is the teaching job, and the general objective is to identify the occupational risks and hazards faced by teachers in Ecuadorian educational units. In addition, the specific objective is to compare two methods of information collection to contrast their results and provide a clear and accurate account of the work situation of Ecuadorian teachers, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Methodology: The approach of this research is quantitative and descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-experimental. The population studied consists of the teaching staff of the Juan José Flores Educational Unit, located in the Sigchos canton, Chugchilán parish, province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. The variables "Occupational Health Risk" (dependent) and "Educational Work" (independent) were analyzed using the method of statistical analysis of data obtained from the Fantástico questionnaire applied to teachers. Results: The "Fantastic" tool reveals high levels of work stress among teachers, exacerbated by workload and pressure to meet academic standards in remote areas. This situation increases teachers' susceptibility to Burnout Syndrome and Fallen Building Syndrome, highlighting the urgent need for preventive and quality of life improvement measures in educational institutions. Conclusions: The lack of an Occupational Health and Safety Department in the Ministry of Education of Ecuador has generated a generalized lack of knowledge of current legislation among teachers. The Organic Law of Public Service highlights the importance of the emotional health of public employees, including teachers, but the lack of specific structures in the Ministry of Education creates limitations to guarantee adequate working conditions.